Coates v. State

Appellant Ronmika Lashelle Coates appeals her conviction and sentence for grand theft. She argues the trial court erred in admitting a state exhibit under the business records exception to the rule against hearsay. Because the exhibit was not made at or near the time of the incident nor was it made as part of a regular business practice, we reverse and remand for a new trial.

On December 15, 2014, appellant was apprehended by Home Depot’s asset protection team after one of the security employees observed her put numerous items in her purse and attempt to leave the store without paying for…